Monsanta

MONSANTA’S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

• Young rider European Championships and junior European gold medals

• Queen Elizabeth II Cup, 1987

• Team gold and individual silver at the European Championships, 1989

• Team bronze at the World Championships, 1990

• Team silver at the European Championships, 1991

• Represented Great Britain at the 1992 Olympics, 15th individually

• Millstreet Derby, 1992

• Dublin grand prix, 1993

• Won Hickstead Derby three times (1991-1993)

AN all-star cast of horses has taken centre stage for Michael Whitaker during his four decades in the saddle, but one stands out for his longevity, consistency and magnificent conquests around the globe – Monsanta.

The stocky, Irish-bred “Monty” had a distinctive air about him with his trademark sheepskin noseband and unusually high head carriage. He could be sharp, but appreciated Michael’s quiet approach in the saddle and, driven by the Yorkshireman’s steely will to win, he tried his heart out at every obstacle.

The 13-year-old gelding was already a young rider European gold medallist and Queen’s Cup winner when Michael took over the reins, but the remarkable pair went on to